I’ve recently returned from a mind blowing solo backpacking trip to Africa. My goal was to prove that it’s possible to travel alone as a woman through that part of the world, and challenge misconceptions about the continent. The nature is simply stunning, the locals are genuinely friendly, and once you get out of major cities — Africa is WAY safer than you’d think.
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But it’s also important to keep things authentic. With every grand adventure, there are obstacles along the way. And if there’s one common question I haven’t truly discussed: what’s it REALLY like to solo backpack as a woman? And what was that like in Africa?
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Honestly? It wasn’t so different from anywhere else in the world. I’ve been extremely fortunate in the majority of my travels to surround myself with respectful, kind individuals. Unfortunately, harassment isn’t an “African” issue as much as a universal one. As a woman who clearly looks foreign, I’ve been grabbed in bars, followed on the streets, and propositioned at gas stations. I’ve been called everything from a “sexy Chinese” to terrible names for rejecting advances... And the kicker? 1. These forms of harassment came from men of all nationalities, creed, and color. 2. This isn’t even bad, compared to what other women go through.
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But just because abuse is rampant doesn’t make it okay. Just because something is widespread doesn’t mean we should normalize it.
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The thing is, as women, we should never allow these unfortunate incidents to stop us from traveling. It’s easy to feel afraid. But if we do, then these suckers win. I choose to keep my wits about me, surround myself with good people, and be aware of where I am at all times. And I still carry the hope that new generations will raise men to respect women and treat them as equals. (Until then — I also carry some pepper spray, just incase.)
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Calling everyone to share their thoughts below. What can we do to empower women and encourage mutual respect and equality? Ladies, how do you react to inappropriate comments or incidents of harassment? And here’s a huge shoutout to the men who are self proclaimed feminists and fight for equal rights. We love you.

Scottish Highlands or South Africa? After climbing some shaky chain ladders, we summitted on to this plateau for the last stretch of the hike. At 3000m above sea level, I was a little out of breath as we hustled our way across to hopefully beat the stormclouds coming our way. What a day! 🏔

“Why is it that scuba divers and surfers are some of the strongest advocates of ocean conservation? Because they've spent time in and around the ocean, and they've personally seen the beauty, the fragility, and even the degradation of our planet's blue heart.”
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I am perpetually humbled to share the ocean with such creatures. It’s impossible to have close encounters with marine wildlife and not feel something stirring inside — it’s hard to not care after that. I’m hoping my photography can somewhat convey this feeling, and help to break down the walls of apathy 💙

Drone footage from the most insane day I’ve ever had. Hiked through 4 seasons in one session (including a literal hailstorm), climbed up precarious chain ladders, and watched the second highest waterfall in the world tumble off the 3000m escarpment into the valley below. Drakensberg — or the “Dragon’s Back” —has 100% lived up to its rep.

Enfield Creek
The base of Lucifer Falls
Interestingly, where the sun strikes, an exact shadow demarcation between no snow and still snow.
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[Image description: a gorge with steep, shale sides covered with snow, the sun shines on the slope of the opposite hill with denuded conifers in winter yellow browns, all snow melted. Beyond the valley, Tompkins County is barely visible making up the horizon. A deep blue creek runs through the gorge; big round chunks of ice visible in the bend.]